Probiotics. You see it on all sorts of labels. Advertised in capsule form. Some stocked in small bottles in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. EVEN on TV in yogurt commercials. So what is a probiotic? Why is it considered important? Where can it be found? Why should you care?

Probiotics & Loving Your Guts

Did you know that 80% of your immune system is what lives in your digestive tract? Crazy right!? Our digestive tract is actually known as our "second brain" here are some crazy facts about your digestion (taken from ​https://draxe.com/probiotics-benefits-foods-supplements/)

What especially struck me: our bodies are MORE bacteria than human cells! insanity. So no WONDER why probiotics matter -these little critters are super important since they help our bodies FIGHT DISEASE and help us absorb nutrients from our food. When these little buggers are out of whack you will notice some tummy troubles - pain, diarrhea, constipation at the least or face real issues involving bowel diseases! (irritable bowel syndrome, Chron's Disease and the like)

You might be wondering..how does it happen? Why do they get messed up in the first place?

Some top reasons include STRESS, TOO MUCH SUGAR, being on antibiotics or other medications, grains...these are all things that KILL those little germ fighters!

Benefits of probiotics include...

The research is still out about all the ways that probiotics help us! We already talked about early how the fight off disease - as simple as a stomach flu and as serious as urinary tract infection, liver disease, cancer, colitis, managing autism kidney stones. There are even studies out now that are showing improvements for Alzheimer's patients...once again - YOUR GUT IS YOUR SECOND BRAIN! Not to mention when everything is working properly you will stay "regular" if you know what I mean!

How do I ensure my gut is healthy?

There are a few ways to make sure you have a balanced gut! You can add probiotic rich foods or supplements to your diet and also make sure you are "feeding" the good ones that are there already! How do you do that? FEED THEM WITH HIGH FIBER, add beneficial things like chia seed, flax seeds and foods that are REAL high quality and not processed.

Some great food sources of probiotics include: Kefir, yogurt (look for minimally processed - like PLAIN is best! (not a bunch of added sugars!), Kombacha.

But what about supplements?

There are a TON out there and it can get really confusing. Not to mention...expensive! Check the label and the resource of the probiotic. Is it a reputable brand? Here is a chart of the GOOD bacteria strains that should be included on the label: (Resource: Dr Axe's website!)

So how do I get mine in?

Shakeology! Shakeology is something that has been added to my normal daily routine for about 2.5 years -I use to have many digestion issues..like I was either one way..or the other! (if you know what I mean I will spare you the details!) Shakeology contains the strain Bacillus Coagulans as it's powerful probiotics. Shakeology also contains prebiotics (which help grow the current probiotics or help them develop) in the yacon root - (think root veggie similar to a sweet potato) - and is the highest form of a powerful prebiotic! Shakeology contains chia, flax seed, probiotics, prebiotics and other high fiber foods that contribute to a healthy digestive system.

1 month of a high quality probiotic capsule is about $40A bag of chia seed is about $7Flax seed is $5-7

I serving of Shakeology that has all of this PLUS SO MUCH MORE: $4.66 - I'll let you do the math...

If it makes my brain stronger, my immune system strongers to fight off disease..I'm totally in!

No you tell me? How is your gut health? Do you take a probiotic? Have you had any experience with digestive issues also?